The automotive industry is in a race for the future. With electric cars becoming more popular than ever, Detroit is preparing its “Big Three” automakers — Ford, General Motors, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles — to lead the charge into the next generation of the car industry.
In the past, Detroit’s Big Three dominated the American landscape, manufacturing well-crafted and reliable vehicles for both commercial and personal use. But over the past few decades, the global car industry has grown, with competition from foreign giants like Toyota and Honda. This, in turn, has put pressure on each of Detroit’s Big Three to keep up with the shifting landscape.
To stay competitive going forward, Detroit’s Big Three are making significant investments in the development of electric and autonomous vehicles. Ford has committed $11 billion Dollars through 2022 to electrify their entire fleet, while General Motors has launched their own electric car service called Maven. Fiat Chrysler, meanwhile, is investing in autonomous vehicle technology to use in its popular Chrysler 300 sedan.
All three automakers have also integrated self-driving technology into their current lineups. Ford and Fiat Chrysler have deployed self-driving vehicles for commercial fleets in cities across the US and Europe, while General Motors has developed technology for its newest cars that allow for partially autonomous lane changing.
These investments signal Detroit’s stay in the top tier of the automotive industry, and the Big Three see the future of the car industry in electric and autonomous vehicles. As the industry shifts toward these innovations, each of the Big Three are working to be the dominant player in this field, leading the way in the next generation of the car industry.